Two Tankers Catch Fire Following Minesweeper Accident in Strait of Hormuz
Two oil tankers have reportedly caught fire after colliding with mines in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The vessels, each carrying around two million barrels of crude oil, deviated from a designated shipping route, leading to the incident.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Oman Sea, has seen increased tensions in recent years due to its strategic location. The accident occurred as the tankers attempted to navigate through the area, despite warnings about the risk of mines in the region.
The IRGC claimed that the tankers' unauthorized route contributed to the unfortunate incident. The fate of the crew members onboard remains unknown at this time.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil trade, has seen heightened tensions due to its strategic location. The accident occurred as the tankers entered the area, disregarding warnings about the potential hazards posed by mines in the region. The IRGC emphasized that the vessels' unauthorized navigation path played a role in the unfortunate occurrence.
The fate of the crew members onboard remains undisclosed at this moment.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
